Oldsmobile broke new ground with its original Toronado, producing the first American front-wheel-drive model since the demise of Cord in 1937. Working on the theory that you don’t fix something if it isn’t broken, they continued the drivetrain combination with its Second Generation models from 1971 until 1978. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1977, and although the term “time capsule” is overused, it is probably the most appropriate for this classic. It has a genuine 27,000 miles showing on its odometer, and it looks as good today as it would have the day its original owner drove it out of the dealership. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Eudora, Kansas. They set their price at $16,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder jonny C for spotting this stunning survivor.

The 1977 Toronado could never be classed as small or compact at nearly nineteen feet in overall length. However, the original owner’s decision to order the car in Dark Aqua with a Pale Blue vinyl top prevents it from looking heavy and cumbersome. Its history is unclear, but its presentation is virtually impossible to fault. The paint shines richly, with no significant flaws or defects. The vinyl is as-new, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. Cars from this period were not renowned for their fit and finish, making the consistent panel gaps on this Olds a pleasant surprise. There are no visible signs of rust, with the seller describing the underside as immaculate. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the sparkling chrome provides a stunning contrast to the dark paint shade. The damage-prone hubcaps look perfect, and the owner’s decision to add whitewall tires helps emphasize the Toronado’s luxury credentials.

When Oldsmobile released the original Toronado in 1966, it took the personal luxury car recipe book, read it carefully, threw it out the window, and wrote its own rules. The industry norm was a huge V8 at the front, feeding power to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission. Oldsmobile sank years and considerable money into developing the Unitized Power Package, aka the UPP. The philosophy was simple, but engineers lost countless hours of sleep, making the dream a reality. The company recognized the gains in interior space on offer if they could develop a front-wheel-drive platform, and it succeeded with the Toronado. The package proved so effective it was adopted for various Cadillac models and 1970s GMC motorhomes. Powering this Toronado is a 403ci V8 that feeds 200hp to the front wheels via a three-speed TH-425 automatic transmission. The company employed power front disc brakes to halt this 4,751lb giant, while power steering reduced the arm-wrenching impact of torque-steer. Outright performance wasn’t a design goal, and the car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 18.6 seconds graphically demonstrates that. However, the drivetrain packaging allowed the car to effortlessly devour the miles while offering class-leading interior space. The seller indicates this car has a genuine 27,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. The overall presentation makes the claim plausible, and I’m unsurprised when they say it runs and drives extremely well. For someone wishing to recapture the 1970s, this Olds is a turnkey classic ready to act as a luxurious time machine.

By modern standards, this Toronado’s equipment levels may not seem startling. In 1977, laying claim to air conditioning, power windows, power seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio with a rear speaker signified your shiny new purchase represented the cutting edge of luxury. This Toronado features those options combined with pillow seat upholstery and lashings of faux woodgrain trim. The cloth upholstery color and pattern won’t suit everyone, but it is typical of what many buyers expected during that period. It shows no wear or physical damage, while the dash and plastic are excellent. Someone fitted a wheel wrap, but there are no other additions. The seller indicates everything works as it should, which is impressive for a classic of this vintage.

This 1977 Toronado emerged at a time when manufacturers had become twitchy about such subjects as fuel economy, with companies beginning a downsizing of engine capacities to meet tighter legislative requirements. As technological advances appeared in newer models, many of these larger cars from the 1970s found themselves on the outer and consigned to a life of drudgery before ending their days in the nearest scrapyard. However, the retro craze has seen these classics gain a new lease on life as a new generation of enthusiasts views them as an affordable way to enter the classic ownership world. The price of this 1977 Toronado is not cheap, and it sits above Hagerty’s figure for a #1 example. However, the price is not unprecedented, and its overall condition and odometer reading place it in elite company. Is it enough to make you wish to recapture the vibe of the 1970s, or would you prefer to sit out this dance?